Locking device for a drainage channel

Abstract

A shut-off device is designed to allow small amounts of water to pass through in certain situations, even while preventing larger flows. This can be useful, for example, when water is collected in a channel for occasional flushing, but some water still needs to be allowed to pass through, perhaps for irrigating surrounding vegetation. This task is accomplished by a shut-off device with a frame element 2 and a flap 3, the flap of which maintains an overflow area 9 within the frame element. A portion of the water stored in the channel, or water conveyed through the flap via another route, can pass through this overflow area and into the shut-off device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure device for mounting in a passage opening of a channel, comprising a flap arranged in a frame element for at least partially closing the passage opening, and a stop formed on the frame element against which the flap rests in a closed state, wherein the flap is pivotable away from the stop about a horizontally arranged pivot axis and has means for automatic opening due to an applied back pressure.

[0002] Such a sealing device is already known from WO 2015 / 005784 A1. In particular, it is provided there that a sealing device is arranged in a channel section so that, in the event of a leak of a harmful liquid, the sealing device can be closed and the flow of the harmful substance into the sewer system can be prevented.

[0003] Another possible application for such a shut-off valve is to determine when and what quantities of water are released from a drain or reservoir. For example, it could be used to collect water in the summer and keep it available for irrigation, as well as to flush sections of the channel with accumulated water when needed.

[0004] However, known drainage systems only allow either filling the respective sections of the channel through the open valve or blocking the sections and preventing any flow. Thus, while it appears possible to dam water in the aforementioned document, it is not possible to add more water to the reservoir through the same opening when the valve is closed.

[0005] Comparable shut-off devices are known, for example, from WO 2010 / 089577 A1. This is a backflow preventer designed for toilet flushing. Naturally, backflow into the grey water tank area is not permitted. This also applies to EP 2 899 323 A1. The purpose of the shut-off device there is to prevent combustion gases and thus also to completely seal them off. Similar shut-off devices are also known from DE 197 57 743 C1 and DE 10 2021 102 052 A1. In these cases as well, backflow into the shut-off area is not permitted.

[0006] Based on this prior art, the present invention aims to create a closure device for installation in a passage opening of a channel, which makes it possible to continue filling the reservoir located behind the closure device even when it is closed.

[0007] This problem is solved by a locking device according to the features of independent claim 1. Further useful embodiments can be found in the subsequent dependent claims.

[0008] The invention provides a closure device for installation in a passage opening of a channel, comprising a flap arranged in a frame element for at least partially closing the passage opening, and a stop formed on the frame element against which the flap rests in a closed state. The flap is pivotable away from the stop about a horizontally arranged pivot axis and has means for automatic opening due to applied back pressure. According to the invention, such a closure device is characterized in that the frame element provides an overflow area above the flap, in which the pivot axis runs at a distance from an upper edge of the frame element.

[0009] This allows the flap to remain closed within the frame element, so that surface water can accumulate behind the flap and be retained by it. When needed, either because the accumulated water volume is required or because adjacent channel sections need to be flushed, the flap can be opened automatically, allowing the water to drain away. Until then, however, the area of ​​the adjacent channel blocked by the flap can continue to fill, thanks to an overflow area above the flap. In other words, the flap is suspended below the top edge of the frame element, spaced away from it, so that the opening of the frame element is only partially obstructed by the flap.If water also accumulates on the other side of the flap, it is possible that the water will flow over the flap through the overflow area into the sealed-off area behind the flap.

[0010] A water level build-up and subsequent release for flushing purposes can also be implemented at multiple points along a channel using several such flaps. This allows for the construction of a channel cascade, where the surge flows accumulate along the length of the channel. This can be particularly useful if the individual backwater chambers are not completely filled and the water level in a chamber would otherwise be insufficient.

[0011] This makes it possible to pass through the flap in at least one direction, even when it is closed.

[0012] It is advantageous to provide the overflow area with at least one, preferably both, side channels of a trough channel section, which can be connected to trough channel sections of adjacent channel runs and directs surface water entering this area over the flap. Especially during periods of low rainfall, it is possible that the water enters the drainage system at low velocity, not reaching the center of the channel run but rather sliding down its walls. If trough channel sections are installed there that can handle these relatively small volumes of water, they can be connected to corresponding trough channel sections on the frame element, allowing this water to be discharged even without a water level rising in front of the flap due to backwater.Particularly in connection with guide elements which can be installed below the gutter cover, it can be ensured that small amounts of water can definitely pass through the opening via the trough pipe sections in this way.

[0013] Furthermore, it may be provided that the flap can be pivoted in a controlled manner between an open state and a closed state by means of a drive.

[0014] This allows for external control of when the water accumulated behind the flap should be used, i.e., when it can be released into the adjacent channel. Such a drive can be remotely controlled as needed, or, based on sensors, it can be configured to automatically control the flap when required.

[0015] Furthermore, the flap may be provided with metallic retaining elements by which it is held in the closed position by means of at least one electromagnet. If it is deemed sufficient for the flap to open automatically due to the pressure of the water accumulated behind it, it may be enough to keep the flap closed until it is simply released. Release occurs when the electromagnet is switched off, whereupon the flap is no longer held in place and swings open due to the water pressure. If necessary, the flap can be designed to float, i.e., it may have hollow floats or be made entirely of a buoyant material. The electromagnet engages the metal retaining elements attached to the flap. These are magnetically attracted to the electromagnet as long as the electromagnet is active.

[0016] However, such an arrangement requires the electromagnet to be constantly active in the rest position, i.e., when the flap is to be kept closed. Conversely, this also means that the electromagnet constantly consumes energy, and in the event of a power failure, the flap will no longer be held closed. Therefore, it can be particularly advantageous to reverse this effect by establishing a permanent magnetic connection between the frame element and the flap, which can be strengthened and / or released by forces and / or counterforces generated by at least one electromagnet.Therefore, the permanent magnetic connection can be strengthened using the electromagnet, for example, to withstand greater back pressure before the flap is forced open due to that pressure. Alternatively, a repulsive force can be generated with the electromagnet, which counteracts and neutralizes the force of the permanent magnet. In this case, the permanent magnet would hold the flap in the closed position permanently, whereas only a brief pulse from the electromagnet would be sufficient to open the flap with its repulsive force.

[0017] It is advantageous to specifically design at least one electromagnet to be adjustable for setting a maximum dynamic pressure. Furthermore, the electromagnet can be operated remotely, i.e., conventionally remotely controlled, or triggered by sensor measurements or control signals from a control unit. Using the sensors, the control unit can precisely measure the amount of water present or make an estimate based on other factors. For example, temperature sensors can be used to indicate the season. With appropriately stored values ​​for seasonal precipitation, the desired opening state can then be determined based solely on the temperature sensor readings.A barometer, for example, could also be used as a sensor, as could some other suitable sensors.

[0018] Furthermore, the frame element may form an upper yoke which, when installed, lies within a traffic area to be drained and which incorporates at least one solar element and / or at least one energy storage device with which the at least one electromagnet can be operated. While the frame element itself provides the necessary rigidity to the structure by creating a closed basic shape, the aforementioned yoke lies on the surface and forms a common area with the gutter covers of adjacent gutter sections. The yoke and the solar elements integrated within it, as well as any energy storage devices such as accumulators or batteries, can then supply both the sensors and the actuators with electrical energy.

[0019] Finally, it can also be provided that at least one spring damper is assigned to the pivot axis of the flap to dampen the closing movement of the flap. This ensures that the flap can only approach its stop position slowly and thus no irritating noises occur in the area of ​​the flap.

[0020] The invention described above is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] It shows Figure 1 shows the locking device in a separate perspective view from an oblique angle above and with the flap closed; Figure 2 shows the locking device according to Figure 1 with open flap in perspective view from obliquely below, Figure 3 a lateral cross-sectional view of the locking device according to Figures 1 and 2in an installed state between two adjacent channel sections, as well as Figure 4 the closing device in the installed state according to Figure 3 in an open state and with water flowing through it.

[0022] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a locking device 1, which essentially consists of a frame element 2 and a flap 3. The flap 3 is pivotally connected to the frame element 2 via a pivot axis 7, so that the flap 3 can be positioned between a frame element 2 and a frame element 2. Figure 1 depicted closed state and a in Figure 2 The open state shown can be pivoted by at least approximately 90°. It now stands on the in Figure 1Surface water enters the flap 3 on the side shown. The flap 3 is held closed by a permanent magnet 4 on each side. The moment it is desired that the flap 3 open and the water accumulated behind it flow into the channel 14 beyond the flap 3, an electromagnet 5 generates a counterforce that exceeds the force of the permanent magnet 4. The permanent magnetic connection between the permanent magnet 4 and the Figure 2 The holding element 6 shown is thereby neutralized and the flap 3 can, also due to the water present, move into the open position according to Figure 2 to soar. This soaring state is in Figure 4 The figure shows where the locking device 1 is installed between two channel sections 14 arranged on either side of the locking device 1.

[0023] A yoke 12 is provided on the upper side of the frame element 2, in which solar cells 13 are arranged. These can supply the electromagnet 5 with energy and, if necessary, charge energy storage devices (not shown here) to power the electromagnet 5. The energy storage devices can also be housed within the yoke 12. This creates a self-sufficient solution that requires no external cabling to the gutter sections 14.

[0024] Above the flap 3, an overflow area 9 is kept clear between the pivot axis 7 and an upper edge 11 of the frame element 2, through which water accumulating beyond the flap 3 can, if necessary, pass over the flap 3 and through the frame element 2. However, this is only possible when the channel 14 beyond the flap 3 is completely full. The covers 15, which are located on the adjacent channel 14, as shown in Figures 3 and 4As shown, drainage elements are assigned which, in the case of small water volumes, divert the incoming water towards the sides of the channel sections 14. Trough channel sections 16 can be provided there, into which the water then enters. These trough channel sections 16 of the channel sections 14 can then in turn be connected to corresponding trough channel sections 10 of the closure device 1, and the surface water that has entered the trough channel sections 16 is also directed over the flap 3 via the trough channel sections 10.

[0025] The above description thus describes a closure device which allows filling of a channel section located behind the flap via the same frame element, even when the flap is closed and water is present. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0026] 1 Locking device 2 Frame element 3 Flap 4 Permanent magnet 5 Electromagnet 6 Holding element 7 Swivel axis 8 Stop 9 Overflow area 10 Trough pipe section 11 Top edge 12 Yoke 13 Solar element 14 Channel run 15 Cover 16 Trough pipe section 17 Surface water

Claims

1. Closure device for mounting in a passage opening of a gutter line (14), comprising a flap (3) arranged in a frame element (2) for at least partially closing the passage opening, and a stop (8) formed on the frame element (2), against which the flap (3) rests in a closed state, wherein the flap (3) is pivotable about a horizontally arranged pivot axis (7) away from the stop (8) and has means for automatic opening due to an existing dynamic pressure, characterized in that an overflow area (9) is kept free by the frame element (2) above the flap (3), in that the pivot axis (7) runs at a distance from an upper edge (11) of the frame element (2).

2. Closure device according to claim 1, characterized in thata trough line section (10) is assigned to the overflow area (9) on at least one side, preferably on both sides, which can be connected to trough line sections (16) of adjacent channel strands (14) and guides surface water flowing into this area over the flap (3).

3. Closure device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the flap (3) can be pivoted in a controlled manner between an open state and a closed state by means of a drive.

4. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap (3) has metallic holding elements (6) on which the flap (3) is held in the closed state by means of at least one electromagnet (5).

5. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata permanent magnetic connection is established between the frame element (2) and the flap (3), which connection can be reinforced and / or released by forces and / or counterforces generated by means of at least one electromagnet (5).

6. Closure device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one electromagnet (5) is adjustable to determine a maximum dynamic pressure.

7. Closure device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the at least one electromagnet (5) is remotely controllable.

8. Closure device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that a control unit is assigned to the at least one electromagnet (5), which determines or estimates the existing back pressure or existing water quantities with the aid of sensors and actuates the electromagnet (5) when predetermined limit values are exceeded.

9. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame element (2) forms an upper yoke (12) which, in the installed state, lies in a traffic area to be drained and which has at least one solar element (13) and / or at least one energy storage device with which the at least one electromagnet (5) can be operated.

10. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot axis (7) of the flap (3) is assigned at least one spring damper for damping a closing movement of the flap (3).

11. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap (3) is buoyant, in particular a floating body is assigned to the flap (3) or it has a sealed cavity.

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